Coventry City have moved to bolster their squad by drafting in Aston Villa youngster Gary Gardner on loan.

Coventry City have moved to bolster their squad by drafting in Aston Villa youngster Gary Gardner on loan.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who scored a brace for England Under 21s earlier this month against Iceland, joins on an initial one-month deal until 3rd January.

Gardner, who is the younger brother of Sunderland midfielder Craig, is highly regarded at Villa and is tipped for a big future at Villa Park.

Sky Blues boss Andy Thorn was delighted to land Gardner after reportedly beating off a host of clubs to the midfielder's signature.

"I am delighted to get him," Thorn told the Coventry Telegraph.

"Although I have been looking for a bit of experience, this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up because Gary is such a talented lad.

"He's over 6ft, has got a great engine, can tackle and he scores goals from midfield.

"He's an England Under 21 international and a proper talent and we've beaten off a host of other clubs to get him because he likes to play football and likes the way we play, so he should be a good addition for us."